Golf ball having at least one radar detectable mark

ABSTRACT

Golf balls including one or more layers having at least one radar detectable mark disposed on the surface thereof are provided.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 63/116,535, filed Nov. 20, 2020; U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 63/116,803, filed Nov. 20, 2020; and U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 63/212,225, filed Jun. 18, 2021; the entire disclosuresof which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to golf balls including a mark,or a plurality of marks, for improving the detection and trackingthereof by radar systems. Such golf balls are particularly useful inproviding launch condition data in limited distance environments, suchas indoor golf ball hitting bays.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Interest continues to increase in golf experiences which require asystem for detecting golf ball launch conditions, such as golfsimulators and golf equipment fitting. Radar tracking systems that arecurrently used for this purpose are limited, however, in their abilityto accurately obtain launch condition data, for example, ball spinproperties, in environments, and particularly indoor environments, wherethe ball travels a limited distance.

There are also disadvantages to the use of the radar reflective stickersthat are commonly used with radar tracking systems. Radar reflectivestickers are typically placed on the outer surface of the golf ball inorder for radar tracking systems to obtain launch condition data.However, there are challenges associated with the use of these stickers,including, for example, accurate positioning of the stickers on theball, alignment of the stickers relative to the golfer and tee, time andeffort required to place the stickers on the ball, and lack ofdurability of the stickers, which further leads to a decrease in thequality of launch condition data and the need to replace the stickers.

Thus, there is a need for a golf ball that provides one or more of thefollowing benefits: improved quality of golf ball launch condition datacollected by radar tracking systems, especially in limited traveldistance environments, and enhanced experience for the end users ofthese radar tracking systems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a golf ball comprising at least onelayer with a mark, or a plurality of marks, disposed on a surfacethereof.

In a particular embodiment, the mark has a continuous shape and isformed from a radar detectable material. In a particular aspect of thisembodiment, the golf ball additionally has one or more of the followingproperties:

-   -   a) the mark has a non-circular shape;    -   b) the radar detectable material is an electrically conductive        ink comprising a base resin and an electrically conductive        material, wherein the base resin is optionally selected from the        group consisting of vinyl polymers, urethane polymers, acrylic        polymers, epoxy polymers, and combinations of two or more        thereof, and wherein the electrically conductive material is        optionally selected from the group consisting of silver,        electrically conductive carbon, aluminum, graphene, nanotubes,        nanometals, and combinations of two or more thereof;    -   b) the mark has a resistivity of from 0.1 Ohms to 2,500 Ohms;    -   c) the mark has dimensions such that every 0.025 inch wide great        circle path on the golf ball layer surface on which the mark is        disposed intersects the mark; and    -   d) the golf ball comprises an inner core layer, an outer cover        layer, and one or more intermediate layers disposed between the        inner core layer and the outer cover layer; and the surface on        which the mark is disposed is the outer surface of the        intermediate layer positioned adjacent to the outer cover layer.

In another particular embodiment, the mark is formed from a radardetectable material and has dimensions such that every great circle pathon the golf ball layer surface on which the mark is disposed intersectsthe mark.

In another particular embodiment, the mark is formed from a radardetectable material and has a continuous shape comprising three or moreintersecting stripes.

In another particular embodiment, the at least one layer has a pluralityof radar detectable marks disposed on a surface thereof. In a particularaspect of this embodiment, the radar detectable marks have a resistivityof from 0.1 Ohms to 25 Ohms. In another particular aspect of thisembodiment, every 0.025 inch wide great circle path on the golf balllayer surface on which the radar detectable marks are disposedintersects at least one of the marks. In another particular aspect ofthis embodiment, every great circle path on the golf ball layer surfaceon which the radar detectable marks are disposed intersects at least oneof the marks. In another particular aspect of this embodiment, theplurality of radar detectable marks includes a first mark and a secondmark, wherein the first mark has a continuous, irregular shape and thesecond mark has a basic shape selected from basic nonpolygonal shapes,regular polygons, and irregular polygons. Non-limiting examples ofsuitable basic nonpolygonal shapes include circles, rings, andcrescents. Non-limiting examples of suitable regular polygons includesquares and equilateral triangles. Non-limiting examples of suitableirregular polygons include rectangles, non-equilateral triangles, andchevrons. In another particular aspect of this embodiment, the pluralityof radar detectable marks includes a first mark and a second mark,wherein the first mark has a continuous, irregular shape comprising aplurality of intersecting stripes, and the second mark has an irregularshape that is different from the first mark. In another particularaspect of this embodiment, the plurality of radar detectable marksincludes a third mark, the third mark having either an irregular shapeor a regular shape. In another particular aspect of this embodiment,when all of the radar detectable marks present on any layer of the ballare radially projected onto the outer surface of the ball, the radardetectable marks have a total surface coverage of from 1% to 20%.

In another particular embodiment, the golf ball comprises two or morelayers, wherein at least two of the two or more layers have one or moreradar detectable marks disposed on a surface thereof. When all of theradar detectable marks present on any layer of the ball are radiallyprojected onto the outer surface of the ball, every 0.025 inch widegreat circle path on the golf ball outer surface intersects at least oneof the marks.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the specification andare to be read in conjunction therewith, and in which like referencenumerals are used to indicate like parts in the various views:

FIG. 1 illustrates a top view, an isometric view, a front view, a sideview, and a rear view of a mark, according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a top view, an isometric view, a front view, a sideview, and a rear view of a mark, according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a top view, an isometric view, a front view, a sideview, and a rear view of a mark, according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a top view, an isometric view, a front view, a sideview, and a rear view of a mark, according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a top view, an isometric view, a front view, a sideview, and a rear view of a mark, according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates a top view, an isometric view, a front view, a sideview, and a rear view of a mark, according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates a top view, an isometric view, a front view, a sideview, and a rear view of a mark, according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates a top view, an isometric view, a front view, a sideview, and a rear view of a mark, according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates a top view, an isometric view, a front view, a sideview, and a rear view of a mark, according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 10 illustrates a top view, an isometric view, a front view, a sideview, and a rear view of a mark, according to an embodiment of thepresent invention; and

FIG. 11 illustrates a top view, an isometric view, a front view, a sideview, and a rear view of a mark, according to an embodiment of thepresent invention; and

FIGS. 12A and 12B are schematic diagrams illustrating a method fordetermining the average width of an irregular shape according to anembodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Golf balls of the present invention include one or more layers whichhave at least one radar detectable mark disposed on a surface thereof.Particularly suitable radar detectable materials for forming the markinclude, but are not limited to, electrically conductive inks comprisinga base resin and an electrically conductive material. The ink may bewater-borne or solvent-borne. The ink may be a 1-component or2-component ink. The ink may be cured with an isocyanate-based curingagent, UV cure, and/or thermal cure. The ink and the mark formedtherefrom may be transparent or opaque. In a particular embodiment, thebase resin of the ink is selected from the group consisting of vinylpolymers, urethane polymers, acrylic polymers, epoxy polymers, andcombinations of two or more thereof. In another particular embodiment,the electrically conductive material of the ink is selected from thegroup consisting of silver, conductive carbon, aluminum, graphene,nanotubes, nanometals, and combinations of two or more thereof.Particularly suitable inks are those capable of producing a mark havinga resistivity of 0.1 Ohms or 0.5 Ohms or 1 Ohm or 5 Ohms or 6 Ohms or 7Ohms or 25 Ohms or 2,500 Ohms, or a resistivity within a range having alower limit and an upper limit selected from these values. Non-limitingexamples of suitable commercially available inks are Ink Lab 303 silverconductive ink, commercially available from ITW Trans Tech; silver inks,conductive carbon inks, aluminum inks, silver/carbon blend inks, andaluminum/carbon blend inks, commercially available from CreativeMaterials Inc. In embodiments of the present invention wherein the golfball includes more than one radar detectable mark on a single layer, theradar detectable material used to form one mark may be the same as ordifferent from the radar detectable material used to form another mark.In embodiments of the present invention wherein the golf ball includesat least two layers having one or more radar detectable marks disposedon a surface thereof, the radar detectable material used to form a markon one layer may be the same as or different from the radar detectablematerial used to form a mark on another layer.

Radar detectable material is applied to the surface of a layer using anysuitable technique. In a particular embodiment, a mark is formed byapplying radar detectable material to a surface of a golf ball layer bypad printing. In a particular aspect of this embodiment, the pad printedmark has a film thickness of at least 0.5 μm, or a film thickness of 5μm or less, or a film thickness within a range having a lower limit andan upper limit selected from 0.5 μm, 1 μm, 3 μm, 4 μm, and 5 μm.

The surface on which one or more radar detectable marks are disposed canbe any surface of any layer of a golf ball having any number of layers.While the invention is not meant to be limited to the placement of oneor more marks on the surface of a particular layer, golf balls of thepresent invention are designed to allow for the optional placement ofradar detectable marks on a surface other than the outer surface of theball because it is beneficial to some golfers to be able to obtainreliable launch condition data using a golf ball that looks the same onthe outside as a conventional golf ball. Thus, in a particularembodiment, one or more radar detectable marks are disposed on anysurface of any layer of the golf ball other than the outermost surface.

In another particular embodiment, the golf ball is a solid, one-piecegolf ball, and one or more radar detectable marks are disposed on theouter surface of the ball.

In another particular embodiment, the golf ball is a two-piece golf ballconsisting of an inner core layer and an outer cover layer, and one ormore radar detectable marks are disposed on:

-   -   a) the outer surface of the outer cover layer, and/or    -   b) the inner surface of the outer cover layer, and/or    -   c) the outer surface of the inner core layer.

In another particular embodiment, the golf ball is a three-piece golfball consisting of an inner core layer, an outer cover layer, and anintermediate layer disposed between the inner core layer and the outercover layer, and one or more radar detectable marks are disposed on:

-   -   a) the outer surface of the outer cover layer, and/or    -   b) the inner surface of the outer cover layer, and/or    -   c) the outer surface of the inner core layer, and/or    -   d) the outer surface of the intermediate layer, and/or    -   e) the inner surface of the intermediate layer.

In another particular embodiment, the golf ball is a four-piece golfball consisting of an inner core layer, a first intermediate layer, asecond intermediate layer, and an outer cover layer, and one or moreradar detectable marks are disposed on:

-   -   a) the outer surface of the outer cover layer, and/or    -   b) the inner surface of the outer cover layer, and/or    -   c) the outer surface of the inner core layer, and/or    -   d) the outer surface of the first intermediate layer, and/or    -   e) the inner surface of the first intermediate layer, and/or    -   f) the outer surface of the second intermediate layer, and/or    -   g) the inner surface of the second intermediate layer.

In another particular embodiment, the golf ball is a five- or more piecegolf ball comprising an inner core layer, a first intermediate layer, asecond intermediate layer, a third intermediate layer, optionaladditional intermediate layers, and an outer cover layer, and one ormore radar detectable marks are disposed on:

-   -   a) the outer surface of the outer cover layer, and/or    -   b) the inner surface of the outer cover layer, and/or    -   c) the outer surface of the inner core layer, and/or    -   d) the outer surface of the first intermediate layer, and/or    -   e) the inner surface of the first intermediate layer, and/or the        outer surface of the second intermediate layer, and/or    -   g) the inner surface of the second intermediate layer, and/or    -   h) the outer surface of the third intermediate layer, and/or    -   i) the inner surface of the third intermediate layer, and/or    -   j) the inner or outer surface of an optional additional        intermediate layer.

For purposes of the present disclosure, the number of pieces/layers of agolf ball does not include any optional coatings, such as paintcoatings, finish coatings, adhesive coatings, etc., even if the coatingcovers an entire surface of a golf ball layer. Such coatings have athickness that is substantially less than conventional golf ball layerthicknesses, and are generally not considered by those of ordinary skillin the art to be “golf ball layers” when reference is made to aone-piece/one-layer golf ball, two-piece/two-layer golf ball,three-piece/three-layer golf ball, and so on, despite sometimes beingreferred to as an adhesive layer, a paint layer, a top coat layer, etc.Thus, a two-piece golf ball consisting of an inner core layer and anouter cover layer, for example, may additionally include one or morecoatings.

Also, for purposes of the present disclosure, a mark is considered to bedisposed on the surface of a layer regardless of whether a coating haspreviously been applied to the surface. In other words, if an adhesivecoating is applied to a surface of a layer, and a mark is then appliedon top of the adhesive coating, the mark is considered to be disposed onthe surface of the layer, even though an adhesive coating is presenttherebetween. Likewise, if a coating is present between two layers ofthe ball, the layers are still considered to be adjacent to each other,even though a coating may be present therebetween.

In a particular embodiment, golf balls of the invention include anadhesive coating applied to a layer on which at least one radardetectable mark is disposed, before and/or after application of themark(s) onto the layer. In a particular aspect of this embodiment, atleast one mark is disposed on a surface of a golf ball layer and anadhesive coating is applied to the layer and on top of the mark(s). Inanother particular aspect of this embodiment, an adhesive coating isapplied to a surface of a golf ball layer and at least one mark isdisposed on the layer on top of the adhesive coating. In anotherparticular aspect of this embodiment, a first adhesive coating isapplied to a surface of a golf ball layer, at least one mark is disposedon the layer on top of the adhesive coating, and a second adhesivecoating is applied to the layer and on top of the mark(s).

Each radar detectable mark has a shape selected from a variety ofsuitable shapes, including regular shapes and irregular shapes. Suitableexamples of regular shapes include, but are not limited to, circles,rings, crescents, squares, triangles, rectangles, chevrons, and otherregular polygons, irregular polygons, and basic nonpolygonal shapes.Suitable examples of irregular shapes include, but are not limited to,intersecting shapes, including, but not limited to, a series ofintersecting stripes, wherein the length and width of each stripe withinthe series of intersecting stripes may be different than orsubstantially the same as that of the other stripe(s) within the series.For purposes of the present disclosure, stripes have substantially thesame length and/or width if their respective lengths and/or widthsdiffer by no more than 10%.

In a particular embodiment, the golf ball includes at least one radardetectable mark having an irregular shape defined by a series ofintersecting rectangular stripes. In a particular aspect of thisembodiment, the mark having an irregular shape additionally has one ormore of the following properties:

-   -   a) the series of intersecting stripes consists of three        rectangular stripes, or the series of intersecting stripes        consists of four rectangular stripes, or the series of        intersecting stripes comprises at least five rectangular        stripes;    -   b) the series of intersecting stripes includes a first stripe        and a second stripe, and the first and second stripes are        substantially equal in length;        -   (i) a plane bisecting the first stripe and a plane bisecting            the second stripe are separated by an angle of 60° or 85° or            95° or 120° or an angle within a range having a lower limit            and an upper limit selected from these values;        -   (ii) the first and second stripes are substantially equal in            width; and        -   (iii) the first and second stripes have a length of 1.8 or            2.6 or 3.0 inches or a length within a range having a lower            limit and an upper limit selected from these values; and        -   (iv) the series of intersecting stripes additionally            includes a third stripe and a fourth stripe, and a plane            bisecting the third stripe and a plane bisecting the fourth            stripe are separated by an angle of 60° or 85° or 95° or            120° or an angle within a range having a lower limit and an            upper limit selected from these values;    -   c) each of the stripes within the series of intersecting stripes        has a width of 0.20 inches or less, or a width of 0.03 inches or        greater, or a width of from 0.03 inches to 0.20 inches, and,        optionally, all of the stripes within the series have        substantially the same width;    -   d) the series of intersecting stripes includes a first stripe, a        second stripe, and a third stripe, each of the first and second        stripes having a length of 1.8 or 2.6 or 3.0 inches or a length        within a range having a lower limit and an upper limit selected        from these values, and the third stripe having a length of from        0.12 inches to 0.50 inches; and    -   e) the series of intersecting stripes includes a first stripe, a        second stripe, a third stripe, and a fourth stripe, the fourth        stripe having a length that is less than that of the first and        second stripes and greater than that of the third stripe.        In another particular aspect of this embodiment, the golf ball        includes at least one additional radar detectable mark, each of        the additional radar detectable mark(s) having a shape        independently selected from irregular shapes and basic, regular        shapes. Suitable examples of basic, regular shapes include, but        are not limited to, circles, rings, crescents, squares,        triangles, rectangles, chevrons, and other regular polygons,        irregular polygons, and basic nonpolygonal shapes. In a further        particular aspect of this particular embodiment, the shape of at        least one of the additional radar detectable mark(s) is a        rectangular stripe, optionally having a length of from 0.15        inches to 0.75 inches, and optionally having a width that is        substantially the same as the average width of the radar        detectable mark having an irregular shape defined by a series of        intersecting rectangular stripes. For purposes of the present        disclosure, the average width of a mark having an irregular        shape defined by a series of intersecting rectangular stripes is        determined as follows. The average width is the average width        across all portions of the mark. As would be readily understood        by one of ordinary skill in the art, to the extent that the        shape deviates from its typical shape, the “width” of that        portion is determined relative to appropriate aspect ratio. For        example, in FIG. 12A, the mark is wider at the middle 50% of the        mark, so half of the mark has a width of W1 and half of the mark        has a width of W2, so the average width is calculated as        (W1+W2)/2. However, in FIG. 12B, the mark has a design such that        a different dimension is used for measuring width, and since        both distinct portions of the mark have a width of W1, the        average width is also W1.

In embodiments of the present invention wherein the golf ball includesmore than one radar detectable mark on a single layer, the shape and/orsize of one mark may be the same as or different from the shape and/orsize of another mark. In embodiments of the present invention whereinthe golf ball includes at least two layers having one or more radardetectable marks disposed on a surface thereof, the shape and/or size ofa mark on one layer may be the same as or different from the shapeand/or size of a mark on another layer. In a particular embodiment, thegolf ball includes at least one radar detectable mark that has anon-circular shape disposed on a surface of a layer thereof. In aparticular aspect of this embodiment, the non-circular shape is anirregular shape.

Non-limiting examples of particularly suitable shapes for a single radardetectable mark or a plurality of radar detectable marks are illustratedin FIGS. 1-11.

FIG. 1 shows a mark consisting of a stripe, according to an embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a mark consisting of two stripes intersecting at twolocations, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a mark consisting of two stripes intersecting at onelocation, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows a mark consisting of four stripes forming a closed loop inthe form of a spherical rectangle, according to an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 5 shows a mark consisting of a single curvilinear stripe creating aclosed loop, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows a plurality of marks consisting of stripes arranged in anicosahedral pattern, according to an embodiment of the presentinvention, the stripes having substantially the same length and width.Alternatively, the stripes are arranged in an icosahedral pattern andadjoined to form a continuous mark, according to an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 7 shows a mark consisting of three intersecting stripes, accordingto an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 shows a mark consisting of four intersecting stripes, accordingto an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 shows two marks, including a first mark consisting of threeintersecting stripes and a second mark consisting of a single stripe,according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 shows three marks, including a first mark consisting of fiveintersecting stripes, a second mark consisting of a single stripe, and athird mark consisting of a single stripe, according to an embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 11 shows three marks, including a first mark consisting of fourintersecting stripes, a second mark consisting of a single stripe, and athird mark consisting of a single stripe, according to an embodiment ofthe present invention.

In a particular embodiment, a surface of at least one layer of the golfball includes a radar detectable mark disposed thereon and the mark isdesigned to have dimensions (i.e., size and shape) such that everymathematically possible 0.025 inch wide great circle path, or everymathematically possible 0.015 inch wide great circle path, or everymathematically possible 0.005 inch wide great circle path, or everymathematically possible great circle, on the golf ball layer surface onwhich the mark is disposed intersects the mark. For purposes of thepresent disclosure, a great circle path intersects a mark if any portionof the great circle path is in contact with any portion of the mark.

In another particular embodiment, a surface of at least one layer of thegolf ball includes a plurality of radar detectable marks disposedthereon and the marks are designed to be sized, shaped, and positionedsuch that every mathematically possible 0.025 inch wide great circlepath, or every mathematically possible 0.015 inch wide great circlepath, or every mathematically possible 0.005 inch wide great circlepath, or every mathematically possible great circle, on the golf balllayer surface on which the marks are disposed intersects at least one ofthe marks.

In another particular embodiment, the golf ball comprises two or morelayers, wherein at least two of the two or more layers have one or moreradar detectable marks disposed on a surface thereof and the marks aredesigned to be size, shaped, and positioned such that, when all of theradar detectable marks present on any layer of the ball are radiallyprojected onto the outer surface of the ball, every mathematicallypossible 0.025 inch wide great circle path, or every mathematicallypossible 0.015 inch wide great circle path, or every mathematicallypossible 0.005 inch wide great circle path, or every mathematicallypossible great circle, on the golf ball outer surface intersects atleast one of the marks.

In another particular embodiment, the radar detectable mark(s) have atotal surface coverage of 1% or 2% or 8% or 9% or 10% or 12% or 20% or atotal surface coverage within a range having a lower limit and an upperlimit selected from these values. For purposes of the presentdisclosure, the total surface coverage of the mark(s) is calculated asthe sum of the surface area of each radar detectable mark present on anylayer, as measured with all of the marks present on the surface of anylayer of the golf ball radially projected onto the outer surface of theball, divided by the total surface area of the outer surface of theball.

The present invention is not meant to be limited by the material used toform each layer of the golf ball. Particularly suitable materialsinclude, but are not limited to, thermosetting materials, such aspolybutadiene, styrene butadiene, isoprene, polyisoprene, andtrans-isoprene; thermoplastics, such as ionomer resins, polyamides andpolyesters; and thermoplastic and thermosetting polyurethane andpolyureas.

Particularly suitable thermosetting materials, include, but are notlimited to, thermosetting rubber compositions comprising a base polymer,an initiator agent, a coagent and/or a curing agent, and optionally oneor more of a metal oxide, metal fatty acid or fatty acid, antioxidant,soft and fast agent, fillers, and additives. Suitable base polymersinclude natural and synthetic rubbers including, but not limited to,polybutadiene, polyisoprene, ethylene propylene rubber (“EPR”),styrene-butadiene rubber, styrenic block copolymer rubbers (such as SI,SIS, SB, SBS, SIBS, and the like, where “S” is styrene, “I” isisobutylene, and “B” is butadiene), butyl rubber, halobutyl rubber,polystyrene elastomers, polyethylene elastomers, polyurethaneelastomers, polyurea elastomers, metallocene-catalyzed elastomers andplastomers, copolymers of isobutylene and para-alkylstyrene, halogenatedcopolymers of isobutylene and para-alkylstyrene, acrylonitrile butadienerubber, polychloroprene, alkyl acrylate rubber, chlorinated isoprenerubber, acrylonitrile chlorinated isoprene rubber, polyalkenamers, andcombinations of two or more thereof. Suitable initiator agents includeorganic peroxides, high energy radiation sources capable of generatingfree radicals, C—C initiators, and combinations thereof. Suitablecoagents include, but are not limited to, metal salts of unsaturatedcarboxylic acids; unsaturated vinyl compounds and polyfunctionalmonomers (e.g., trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate); phenylenebismaleimide; and combinations thereof. Suitable curing agents include,but are not limited to, sulfur; N-oxydiethylene 2-benzothiazolesulfenamide; N,N-di-ortho-tolylguanidine; bismuthdimethyldithiocarbamate; N-cyclohexyl 2-benzothiazole sulfenamide;N,N-diphenylguanidine; 4-morpholinyl-2-benzothiazole disulfide;dipentamethylenethiuram hexasulfide; thiuram disulfides;mercaptobenzothiazoles; sulfenamides; dithiocarbamates; thiuramsulfides; guanidines; thioureas; xanthates; dithiophosphates;aldehyde-amines; dibenzothiazyl disulfide; tetraethylthiuram disulfide;tetrabutylthiuram disulfide; and combinations thereof. Suitable typesand amounts of base polymer, initiator agent, coagent, filler, andadditives are more fully described in, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos.6,566,483, 6,695,718, 6,939,907, 7,041,721 and 7,138,460, the entiredisclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.Particularly suitable diene rubber compositions are further disclosed,for example, in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0093318,the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein byreference.

Particularly suitable materials also include, but are not limited to:

-   -   a) thermosetting polyurethanes, polyureas, and hybrids of        polyurethane and polyurea;    -   b) thermoplastic polyurethanes, polyureas, and hybrids of        polyurethane and polyurea, including, for example, Estane® TPU,        commercially available from The Lubrizol Corporation;    -   c) E/X- and E/X/Y-type ionomers, wherein E is an olefin (e.g.,        ethylene), X is a carboxylic acid (e.g., acrylic, methacrylic,        crotonic, maleic, fumaric, or itaconic acid), and Y is a        softening comonomer (e.g., vinyl esters of aliphatic carboxylic        acids wherein the acid has from 2 to 10 carbons, alkyl ethers        wherein the alkyl group has from 1 to 10 carbons, and alkyl        alkylacrylates such as alkyl methacrylates wherein the alkyl        group has from 1 to 10 carbons), such as Surlyn® ionomer resins        and HPF 1000 and HPF 2000, commercially available from The Dow        Chemical Company, Iotek® ionomers, commercially available from        ExxonMobil Chemical Company, Amplify® IO ionomers of ethylene        acrylic acid copolymers, commercially available from The Dow        Chemical Company, and Clarix® ionomer resins, commercially        available from A. Schulman Inc.;    -   d) polyisoprene;    -   e) polyoctenamer, such as Vestenamer® polyoctenamer,        commercially available from Evonik Industries;    -   f) polyethylene, including, for example, low density        polyethylene, linear low density polyethylene, and high density        polyethylene; polypropylene;    -   g) rubber-toughened olefin polymers; non-ionomeric acid        copolymers, e.g., (meth)acrylic acid, which do not become part        of an ionomeric copolymer;    -   h) plastomers;    -   i) flexomers;    -   j) styrene/butadiene/styrene block copolymers;    -   k) styrene/ethylene-butylene/styrene block copolymers;    -   l) polybutadiene;    -   m) styrene butadiene rubber;    -   n) ethylene propylene rubber;    -   o) ethylene propylene diene rubber;    -   p) dynamically vulcanized elastomers;    -   q) ethylene vinyl acetates;    -   r) ethylene (meth) acrylates;    -   s) polyvinyl chloride resins;    -   t) polyamides, amide-ester elastomers, and copolymers of ionomer        and polyamide, including, for example, Pebax® thermoplastic        polyether and polyester amides, commercially available from        Arkema Inc;    -   u) crosslinked trans-polyisoprene;    -   v) polyester-based thermoplastic elastomers, such as Hytrel®        polyester elastomers, commercially available from E. I. du Pont        de Nemours and Company, and Riteflex® polyester elastomers,        commercially available from Ticona;    -   w) polyurethane-based thermoplastic elastomers, such as        Elastollan®polyurethanes, commercially available from BASF;    -   x) synthetic or natural vulcanized rubber;    -   y) and combinations thereof.

Compositions comprising an ionomer or a blend of two or more E/X- andE/X/Y-type ionomers are particularly suitable intermediate and coverlayer materials. Preferred E/X- and E/X/Y-type ionomeric covercompositions include:

-   -   (a) a composition comprising a “high acid ionomer” (i.e., having        an acid content of greater than 16 wt %), such as Surlyn® 8150;    -   (b) a composition comprising a high acid ionomer and a maleic        anhydride-grafted non-ionomeric polymer (e.g., Fusabond®        functionalized polymers). A particularly preferred blend of high        acid ionomer and maleic anhydride-grafted polymer is a 84 wt        %/16 wt % blend of Surlyn® 8150 and Fusabond®. Blends of high        acid ionomers with maleic anhydride-grafted polymers are further        disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,992,135 and        6,677,401, the entire disclosures of which are hereby        incorporated herein by reference;    -   (c) a composition comprising a 50/45/5 blend of Surlyn®        8940/Surlyn® 9650/Nucrel® 960, preferably having a material        hardness of from 80 to 85 Shore C;    -   (d) a composition comprising a 50/25/25 blend of Surlyn®        8940/Surlyn® 9650/Surlyn® 9910, preferably having a material        hardness of about 90 Shore C;    -   (e) a composition comprising a 50/50 blend of Surlyn®        8940/Surlyn® 9650, preferably having a material hardness of        about 86 Shore C;    -   (f) a composition comprising a blend of Surlyn® 7940/Surlyn®        8940, optionally including a melt flow modifier;    -   (g) a composition comprising a blend of a first high acid        ionomer and a second high acid ionomer, wherein the first high        acid ionomer is neutralized with a different cation than the        second high acid ionomer (e.g., 50/50 blend of Surlyn® 8150 and        Surlyn® 9120), optionally including one or more melt flow        modifiers such as an ionomer, ethylene-acid copolymer or ester        terpolymer; and    -   (h) a composition comprising a blend of a first high acid        ionomer and a second high acid ionomer, wherein the first high        acid ionomer is neutralized with a different cation than the        second high acid ionomer, and from 0 to 10 wt % of an        ethylene/acid/ester ionomer wherein the ethylene/acid/ester        ionomer is neutralized with the same cation as either the first        high acid ionomer or the second high acid ionomer or a different        cation than the first and second high acid ionomers (e.g., a        blend of 40-50 wt % Surlyn® 8140 or 8150, 40-50 wt % Surlyn®        9120, and 0-10 wt % Surlyn® 6320).

Surlyn 8150®, Surlyn® 8940, and Surlyn® 8140 are different grades ofE/MAA copolymer in which the acid groups have been partially neutralizedwith sodium ions. Surlyn® 9650, Surlyn® 9910, and Surlyn® 9120 aredifferent grades of E/MAA copolymer in which the acid groups have beenpartially neutralized with zinc ions. Surlyn® 7940 is an E/MAA copolymerin which the acid groups have been partially neutralized with lithiumions. Surlyn® 6320 is a very low modulus magnesium ionomer with a mediumacid content. Nucrel® 960 is an E/MAA copolymer resin nominally madewith 15 wt % methacrylic acid. Surlyn® ionomers, Fusabond® polymers, andNucrel® copolymers are commercially available from The Dow ChemicalCompany.

Suitable E/X- and E/X/Y-type ionomeric cover materials are furtherdisclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,653,382, 6,756,436,6,894,098, 6,919,393, and 6,953,820, the entire disclosures of which arehereby incorporated by reference.

Suitable polyurethanes, polyureas, and blends and hybrids ofpolyurethane/polyurea are further disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat.Nos. 5,334,673, 5,484,870, 6,506,851, 6,756,436, 6,835,794, 6,867,279,6,960,630, and 7,105,623; U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2009/0011868; U.S. Patent Application No. 60/401,047; U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/590,317, filed Oct. 1, 2019; U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2007/0117923; and U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,865,052,6,734,273, and 8,034,873; the entire disclosures of which are herebyincorporated herein by reference.

Suitable UV absorbers that are optionally included in cover layercompositions are further disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No.5,156,405 to Kitaoh; U.S. Pat. No. 5,840,788 to Lutz; and U.S. Pat. No.7,722,483 to Morgan; the entire disclosures of which are herebyincorporated herein by reference.

Dimensions of each golf ball layer, i.e., thickness/diameter, may varydepending on the desired properties.

The United States Golf Association specifications limit the minimum sizeof a competition golf ball to 1.680 inches. There is no specification asto the maximum diameter, and golf balls of any size can be used forrecreational play. Golf balls of the present invention can have anoverall diameter of any size, and, typically, have an overall diameterof from 1.680 inches to 1.780 inches.

Golf balls of the present invention have a plurality of dimples on theouter surface thereof, and, typically, have an overall dimple surfacecoverage of 60% or greater, or 65% or greater, or 75% or greater or 80%or greater.

EXAMPLES

It should be understood that the examples below are merely illustrativeof particular embodiments of the present invention, and are not to beconstrued as limiting the invention, the scope of which is defined bythe appended claims.

In each of examples 1-11 below, a golf ball subassembly having adiameter of about 1.630 inches and consisting of a solid rubber core andan ionomer casing layer was provided. A mark, or a plurality of marks,as indicated below, was pad printed on the outer surface of eachsubassembly using electrically conductive ink to produce a markedsubassembly.

Example 1

In this example, the mark consists of a single stripe, according to theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 1. The stripe has a width of about 0.120inches and a length of about 2.750 inches. Every mathematically possible0.025 inch wide great circle path on the spherical outer surface of thecasing intersects the mark.

Example 2

In this example, the mark consists of two stripes intersecting at twolocations, according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2. Thestripes are substantially equal in size, each stripe having a width ofabout 0.120 inches and a length of about 2.750 inches. Everymathematically possible 0.025 inch wide great circle path on thespherical outer surface of the casing intersects the mark.

Example 3

In this example, the mark consists of two stripes intersecting at onelocation, according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3. The stripesare substantially equal in size, each stripe having a width of about0.120 inches and a length of about 2.750 inches. Every mathematicallypossible 0.025 inch wide great circle path on the spherical outersurface of the casing intersects the mark.

Example 4

In this example, the mark consists of four stripes forming a closed loopin the form of a spherical rectangle, according to the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 4. The stripes are substantially equal in width,each stripe having a width of about 0.120 inches. Each of the twostripes forming the long sides of the spherical rectangle has a lengthof about 2.670 inches, and each of the two stripes forming the shortsides of the spherical rectangle has a length of about 0.380 inches.Every mathematically possible 0.025 inch wide great circle path on thespherical outer surface of the casing intersects the mark.

Example 5

In this example, the mark consists of a single curvilinear stripecreating a closed loop, according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG.5. The stripe has a width of about 0.120 inches. The closed loop has alength of about 8.390 inches. Every mathematically possible 0.025 inchwide great circle path on the spherical outer surface of the casingintersects the mark.

Example 6

In this example, the plurality of marks consists of sixty stripesarranged in an icosahedral pattern, according to the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 6. The stripes are substantially equal in size, eachstripe having a width of about 0.120 inches and a length of about 0.350inches. Every mathematically possible 0.025 inch wide great circle pathon the spherical outer surface of the casing intersects the mark.

Example 7

In this example, the mark consists of three intersecting stripesaccording to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7. The first stripe andthe second stripe have substantially the same length, each of the firststripe and the second stripe having a length of about 2.60 inches. Thethird stripe has a length of about 0.25 inches. The first stripe, thesecond stripe, and the third stripe have substantially the same width,each stripe having a width of about 0.12 inches. The mark has an averagewidth of about 0.12 inches. A plane bisecting the first stripe and aplane bisecting the second stripe are separated by an angle of about90°, as illustrated in the front view and the rear view of FIG. 7. Themark has a total surface coverage of about 8%.

Example 8

In this example, the mark consists of four intersecting stripes,according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8. The first stripe andthe second stripe have substantially the same length, each of the firststripe and the second stripe having a length of about 2.60 inches. Thethird stripe has a length of about 0.25 inches. The fourth stripe has alength of about 0.75 inches. The first stripe, the second stripe, thethird stripe, and the fourth stripe have substantially the same width,each stripe having a width of about 0.12 inches. The mark has an averagewidth of about 0.12 inches. A plane bisecting the first stripe and aplane bisecting the second stripe are separated by an angle of about90°, as illustrated in the front view and the rear view of FIG. 8. Themark has a total surface coverage of about 9%

Example 9

In this example, the plurality of marks consists of a first mark and asecond mark, according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9.

The first mark consists of three intersecting stripes, including a firststripe, a second stripe, and a third stripe. The first stripe and thesecond stripe of the first mark have substantially the same length, eachof the first stripe and the second stripe having a length of about 2.60inches. The third stripe of the first mark has a length of about 0.25inches. The first stripe, the second stripe, and the third stripe of thefirst mark have substantially the same width, each stripe of the firstmark having a width of about 0.12 inches. The first mark has an averagewidth of about 0.12 inches. A plane bisecting the first stripe and aplane bisecting the second stripe are separated by an angle of about90°, as illustrated in the front view and the rear view of FIG. 9.

The second mark consists of a single stripe having a length of about0.40 inches and a width of about 0.12 inches.

The plurality of marks has a total surface coverage of about 8%.

Example 10

In this example, the plurality of marks consists of a first mark, asecond mark, and a third mark, according to the embodiment illustratedin FIG. 10.

The first mark consists of five intersecting stripes, including a firststripe, a second stripe, a third stripe, a fourth stripe, and a fifthstripe. The first stripe and the second stripe of the first mark havesubstantially the same length, each of the first stripe and the secondstripe having a length of about 2.15 inches. The third stripe and thefourth stripe of the first mark connect the ends of the first and secondstripes. The third stripe and the fourth stripe of the first mark havesubstantially the same length, each of the third stripe and the fourthstripe having a length of about 0.30 inches. The fifth stripe of thefirst mark has a length of about 0.40 inches. The first stripe, thesecond stripe, the third stripe, the fourth stripe, and the fifth stripeof the first mark have substantially the same width, each stripe of thefirst mark having a width of about 0.12 inches. The first mark has anaverage width of about 0.12 inches. A plane bisecting the first stripeand a plane bisecting the second stripe are separated by an angle ofabout 90°, as illustrated in the front view and the rear view of FIG.10.

The second mark consists of a single stripe having a length of about0.40 inches and a width of about 0.12 inches.

The third mark consists of a single stripe having a length of about 0.40inches and a width of about 0.12 inches.

The plurality of marks has a total surface coverage of about 9%

Example 11

In this example, the plurality of marks consists of a first mark, asecond mark, and a third mark, according to the embodiment illustratedin FIG. 11.

The first mark consists of four intersecting stripes, including a firststripe, a second stripe, a third stripe, and a fourth stripe. The firststripe, the second stripe, and the third stripe of the first mark havesubstantially the same length, each of the first stripe, the secondstripe, and the third stripe having a length of about 2.50 inches. Thefourth stripe of the first mark has a length of about 0.25 inches. Thefirst stripe, the second stripe, the third stripe, and the fourth stripeof the first mark have substantially the same width, each stripe of thefirst mark having a width of about 0.12 inches. The first mark has anaverage width of about 0.12 inches. A plane bisecting the first stripeand a plane bisecting the second stripe are separated by an angle ofabout 60°, as illustrated in the front view and the rear view of FIG.11. A plane bisecting the second stripe and a plane bisecting the thirdstripe are separated by an angle of about 60°, as illustrated in thefront view and the rear view of FIG. 11.

The second mark consists of a single stripe having a length of about0.40 inches and a width of about 0.12 inches.

The third mark consists of a single stripe having a length of about 0.40inches and a width of about 0.12 inches.

The plurality of marks has a total surface coverage of about 12%.

In each of examples 1-11 above, a finished golf ball was formed bymolding a cover layer about the marked subassembly. The finished golfballs were repeatedly fired via air cannon to a mass plate, simulatinggolf ball driver impact speed greater than 175 miles per hour.Subsequent to repeated testing, the balls were tested using a mechanicalrobot swinging a driver. The average launch condition for the balls was175 mph, 9.5 degrees, 2600 rpm, as measured using a photogrammetricsystem. The radar tracking system was able to accurately measure spin ata capture rate of greater than 96% utilizing 16 feet of ball flight. Theradar tracking system used for testing was a TrackMan golf radar,commercially available from TrackMan Golf, with the TrackMan set toindoor mode.

When numerical lower limits and numerical upper limits are set forthherein, it is contemplated that any combination of these values may beused.

All patents, publications, test procedures, and other references citedherein, including priority documents, are fully incorporated byreference to the extent such disclosure is not inconsistent with thisinvention and for all jurisdictions in which such incorporation ispermitted.

While the illustrative embodiments of the invention have been describedwith particularity, it will be understood that various othermodifications will be apparent to and can be readily made by those ofordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe invention. Accordingly, it is not intended that the scope of theclaims appended hereto be limited to the examples and descriptions setforth herein, but rather that the claims be construed as encompassingall of the features of patentable novelty which reside in the presentinvention, including all features which would be treated as equivalentsthereof by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the inventionpertains.

What is claimed is:
 1. A golf ball comprising a layer having a pluralityof radar detectable marks disposed on a surface thereof, wherein theradar detectable marks have a resistivity of from 0.1 Ohms to 25 Ohms.2. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein every 0.025 inch wide great circlepath on the golf ball layer surface on which the plurality of radardetectable marks is disposed intersects at least one of the marks. 3.The golf ball of claim 1, wherein every 0.015 inch wide great circlepath on the golf ball layer surface on which the plurality of radardetectable marks is disposed intersects at least one of the marks. 4.The golf ball of claim 1, wherein every 0.005 inch wide great circlepath on the golf ball layer surface on which the plurality of radardetectable marks is disposed intersects at least one of the marks. 5.The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the plurality of radar detectablemarks includes at least two marks having different dimensions.
 6. Thegolf ball of claim 1, wherein at least one of the radar detectable markshas an irregular shape.
 7. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the radardetectable marks are formed from an electrically conductive inkcomprising a base polymer selected from the group consisting of vinylpolymers, urethane polymers, acrylic polymers, epoxy polymers, andcombinations of two or more thereof; and an electrically conductivematerial selected from the group consisting of silver, conductivecarbon, aluminum, graphene, nanotubes, nanometals, and combinations oftwo or more thereof.
 8. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the radardetectable marks are opaque.
 9. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein theradar detectable marks are transparent.
 10. The golf ball of claim 1,wherein the radar detectable marks include opaque marks and transparentmarks.
 11. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the radar detectable markscomprise stripes arranged in an icosahedral pattern, the stripes havingsubstantially the same length and width.
 12. A golf ball comprising twoor more layers, wherein at least two of the two or more layers have oneor more radar detectable marks disposed on a surface thereof, andwherein, when all of the radar detectable marks present on any layer ofthe ball are radially projected onto the outer surface of the ball,every 0.025 inch wide great circle path on the golf ball outer surfaceintersects at least one of the marks.
 13. The golf ball of claim 12,wherein, when all of the radar detectable marks present on any layer ofthe ball are radially projected onto the outer surface of the ball,every 0.015 inch wide great circle path on the golf ball outer surfaceintersects at least one of the marks.
 14. The golf ball of claim 12,wherein, when all of the radar detectable marks present on any layer ofthe ball are radially projected onto the outer surface of the ball,every 0.005 inch wide great circle path on the golf ball outer surfaceintersects at least one of the marks.
 15. The golf ball of claim 12,wherein, when all of the radar detectable marks present on any layer ofthe ball are radially projected onto the outer surface of the ball,every great circle path on the golf ball outer surface intersects atleast one of the marks.
 16. The golf ball of claim 12, wherein the radardetectable marks have a resistivity of from 0.1 Ohms to 2500 Ohms. 17.The golf ball of claim 12, wherein the radar detectable marks have aresistivity of from 0.1 Ohms to 25 Ohms.
 18. The golf ball of claim 12,wherein the radar detectable marks are formed from an electricallyconductive ink comprising a base polymer selected from the groupconsisting of vinyl polymers, urethane polymers, acrylic polymers, epoxypolymers, and combinations of two or more thereof; and an electricallyconductive material selected from the group consisting of silver,conductive carbon, aluminum, graphene, nanotubes, nanometals, andcombinations of two or more thereof.
 19. The golf ball of claim 12,wherein the radar detectable marks are opaque.
 20. The golf ball ofclaim 12, wherein the radar detectable marks are transparent.
 21. Thegolf ball of claim 12, wherein the radar detectable marks include opaquemarks and transparent marks.
 22. The golf ball of claim 12, wherein theradar detectable marks include at least two marks having differentdimensions.
 23. The golf ball of claim 12, wherein at least one of theradar detectable marks has an irregular shape.
 24. A golf ballcomprising a layer having a plurality of radar detectable marks disposedon a surface thereof, wherein every great circle path on the golf balllayer surface on which the plurality of radar detectable marks isdisposed intersects at least one of the marks.